Survey finds firms in Hamburg interested in electric vehicles

More than half of firms (56 per cent) in Hamburg have already used electric vehicles or intend purchasing or leasing one compared to only 39 per cent of firms across Germany, according to Hamburg’s “Energiewendebarometers 2016” or energy transition barometer conducted by the Chamber of Commerce Hamburg. Prof. Hans-Jörg Schmidt-Trenz, Managing Director of the Chamber of Commerce, said: “This result shows that Hamburg as a 'model region of electric mobility’ is on the right path.’”

Reducing purchase costs

The firms interviewed said their own profile of requirements; the charging infrastructure and efficiency had prompted the conversion to electric vehicles. Schmidt-Trenz said: “This again confirms the results of our analysis of potential in 2013.” A purchasing initiative called “Hamburg macht E-mobil” or “Hamburg goes emobile” by the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Crafts aims to lower the purchasing costs and increase electric mobility in commercial transport.

Network expansion is top priority

Overall, firms in Hamburg rated the energy transition more positively than the German average. However, the rating was not as good as in 2015. On a scale of -100 to +100, the average in Hamburg for 2016 came to +6.6 and +0.8 on average across Germany compared to 10.4 and -3.4 in 2015.

Thus, political measures are required to make the energy supply safer, more affordable and environmentally compatible. Network expansion is the top priority, according to 87 per cent of firms interviewed. Accelerating planning and approval procedures (75 per cent) and improving the alignment of political procedures (63 per cent) should follow, they said.

Survey of 135 firms in Hamburg

Around 135 firms in Hamburg took part in the survey for the energy transition barometer. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) conducted the survey across Germany in which a total of 2,171 firms took part. pb

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